Liverpool loanee Lazar Markovic has arrived to Lisbon as a star. The winger was welcomed by dozens of Sporting fans yesterday as he joins the club on a one-year spell.
The 22-year-old is reuniting with his old manager Jorge Jesus, with whom he won three titles for Benfica in 2013/14 (Portuguese League, Portuguese Cup and League Cup) and was a Europa League runner-up.
“I came to be a champion for Sporting. I respect all the clubs from Portugal, but I came to work with Jorge Jesus and play,” Markovic told reporters (via Record).
“What made me choose Sporting was the president, the manager and also the club itself. I have ambition and for me it’s all very important.”
On the fans’ reception, Markovic said: “I’m very happy… and even more happy to see they’re glad with my arrival. I hope I can give them the title.”
Recent reports from Portugal said Jurgen Klopp rejected Sporting’s desire to have a buying option after the loan, hinting that the player could still be used by Liverpool.
Markovic left Benfica in 2014 to join Liverpool for €25m. After a unimpressive season at Anfield, he was sent on loan to Fenerbahce, where he struggled with injuries and made only 21 appearances. Now he’s trying to get his career back on track in Portugal.
